Pictures of Pelé flashing on TV as FIFA World Cup fever spreads from Qatar to Queens bring back memories of a writer’s sort-of date with him.

Elizabeth Fasolino, 61, The Star’s arts editor for nearly two years, died of a heart attack on Nov. 5 in Gulfport, Fla., eight months after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma, for which she was being treated. 

The recipe here is for a sturdy, spicy, and very crisp cookie. It holds up well, and will not get soggy or stale. Follow the directions as written, practice your rolling, and make sure you have a good, airtight container. Don’t skip the dot of blue coloring in the glaze, and if you want to hang them, make the hole in the dough with a toothpick before baking. This cookie recipe can also be used to make gingerbread houses.

Gingerbread is the quintessential Christmas treat, but when mom is a Scandinavian baker and dad is a gifted painter, cookies are elevated to an art form. Nina Dohanos looks back on childhood holidays — and divulges some family secrets for better baking.